Chapter 7

Sunlight warmed me as I woke from a lovely dream, only to find myself in an even more beautiful one. Mei was pressed into me, her body curled up like a cat with the covers loosely draped over her. Even in her sleep, she was smiling and it made her the most adorable thing Id seen in a long time.

I fought against a yawn and stretched my free arm, my muscles burning pleasantly. It was rare to have such a good first night with someone and I felt strangely affectionate towards Mei. She was something special, and a small part wondered if there was something bigger possible. It was foolish to wish for such things, especially when she had no idea who I was and what burdens I would add to her life if she were to keep me company for longer.

She stirred in my arms and I waited to see if she was waking up. Her eyes fluttered up and she let out the cutest yawn.

Good morning, I said.

Mei cuddled tighter into me, her hand resting on my bare chest. Chiguo.

The way she said my name in her hoarse morning voice was even better than when she cried it out during the night. It really made me want to hear it again even though I knew it was misguided to let myself wish for such things.

How did you sleep? I asked instead, brushing a lock of hair off of her face.

Really well. Its nice having someone in the bed, I dont like sleeping alone, she admitted, her fingers tracing invisible lines on my chest.

I was glad Id stayed. Women like Mei were like drops of water in the desert, rare and fleeting. If I couldnt hold onto her, I wanted to soak in as much of her as possible.

She yawned and stretched, causing the blanket to slip away and reveal her slender body again. If she noticed, she didnt bother covering herself up. I liked that she felt this comfortable and confident around me.

Im a little bit thirsty, she said, sitting up against the headboard.

I can make us some tea, I proposed. Perhaps it was a bit presumptuous to make her tea when I was in her room but it just felt right.

Mei kissed my cheek softly. I would like that. Do you mind if I hop in the shower?

No, go ahead. Ill be here when you get out, I said. She didnt look like she needed the reassurance but I thought it was nice to let her know I wasnt sneaking out when I had the chance.

A soft smile dimpled her cheeks. That sounds good. Oh, but no room service, if you dont mind.

I nodded at her reasonable request. I wouldnt have done it anyway, but she didnt know that.

Ill be quick, she promised, kissing my lips so gently, it made my heart whisper. I watched her slide out of bed and admired her as she made her way to the bathroom, giving me a show without even meaning to.

I stretched and got up, though I didnt bother getting dressed. We hadnt said anything about what we wanted to do with our morning, and I was hoping Id get to spend a little more time in her company before we parted ways. I pulled on my boxers and laid out my shirt on the bed, hoping that Mei might put it on after her shower. It was wishful thinking on my part, but I was hoping Id be able to bring a small part of her home with me.

I headed back to the main room where a small corner with a sink and a cabinet pretended to be a kitchen. I popped the kettle on and put the cheap tea bags in mugs. For a fancy hotel like this, it was a rather disappointing set-up but I assumed most guests didnt prepare anything themselves and just ordered the forbidden room service. It did make me wonder what job Mei had that she was staying in a place like this but it hadnt come up, or rather, it seemed to be a topic she wanted to avoid. Not that I could say anything, I hadnt exactly been forthcoming about my position in life either. Despite knowing that, I still found myself curious about many things when it came to my new companion.

While I waited for the water to come up to a boil, I opened the balcony doors, smiling at the memory of last night. There had been something magical about being out there with her, and it gave me a surprising need for more moments like that. It had been a long time since Id thought about anyone that way. The sun streamed in through the large windows and the fresh air carried a sweet smell. It looked like a wonderful and bright day but I was possibly just in a good mood. What man wouldnt be after the night I just had?

Once the water was hot, I poured it over the teabags. They would need to steep for a little while so I took a seat on the uncomfortable couch, enjoying the leisurely pace of the morning. I didnt often get to start the day like this, which was a shame. It was strangely comfortable waiting for Mei, like wed done this a hundred times over.

The sound of running water stopped and moments later, Mei came from the bedroom with her hair up in a towel and my shirt loosely draped over her body, barely covering her thighs. She looked even better than I expected, and desire stirred within me at the sight, though it was different than before. Deeper, even.

Im back, she announced brightly.

I smiled. I can see that. Did you have a nice shower?

Mmm, lovely. She sauntered over to me, her hand sliding from the back of my head down to my shoulder as she joined me on the couch. If you want to shower, you can.

That would be nice. But first— I leaned in, capturing her red lips with a kiss. I felt like a schoolboy around her, and an insatiable one at that.

A soft chuckle came from her lips. And second?

Tea. I untangled myself from her, albeit reluctantly, so I could deal with the teabags. It was so delightfully mundane but it felt nice. Real. That was a feeling I didnt get very often.

On my way back with the mugs, I spotted a beautiful guitar in the corner of the room and it was slightly surprising that I hadnt noticed it sooner. It was a fine instrument and the dragon carved into the wood was even more detailed in real life. But as fine as the craftsmanship was, that wasnt what drew me to the instrument. I could feel the reverence for music that the owner had. It was almost as if the instrument was alive thanks to what shed put into it.

Mei wrapped herself around me, her chin resting against my arm. You like my guitar?

I nodded. Its really exquisite.

It was a gift from my father. I got my love for music from him, she said, the pride shining through her voice.

He sounds like a great man, then, I remarked, enjoying the feel of her pressed against me.

He is. She picked the guitar up from its stand and brushed her fingers over the strings, a perfect and effortless chord.

Something hummed to life inside me in response. A deep feeling that I hadnt felt in years and had nothing to do with my physical attraction to Mei. This was almost like the musical part of my soul was responding to her too. Which was ridiculous. It had been a long time since any musician had made that kind of impression, and it had certainly never been over one chord.

He taught me how to read music, how to play. Everything I have is thanks to him, she continued, oblivious to what was going on within me.

I could feel the passion in her voice and it tugged on the ancient part of myself that had been awoken by her. You can say no, but would you play something for me? Hope built within me. Not just because I wanted to hear her play, but because I wanted to feel the music again.

She thought for a moment, clearly considering my question. After a long silence after which I was convinced she was going to say no, she nodded. One song. What would you like to hear?

A song you love but that you havent played in a while. But I didnt really care. I just wanted to hear her.

A smile lifted her lips. Thats both a specific and vague request.

I can come up with something if you prefer.

She shook her head. It was specific and vague, but I know exactly what to play. A smile curled at her lips as she made her way over to the sofa. She perched on the arm, balancing the body of the guitar on her legs.

I sat down opposite her, watching every move with an intensity I didnt know I still possessed.

Mei hummed softly to herself before her fingers brushed over the strings, drawing the notes of a familiar song from them.

The melody travelled straight into my heart and evoked memories from a time long ago that I didnt even realise I missed. I closed my eyes and hummed along, losing myself in the sound that reminded me of the heydays of my life.

Mei paused and smiled. You know the song.

It was my best friends favourite song. Hes not with us anymore but I think of him whenever I hear that melody. Im surprised you know it, its a pretty obscure folk song.

A pleased smile made her eyes twinkle. I love music. This was my grandmothers favourite, she used to sing it to me when I was small. My father said that it was the first song I ever sang, but I dont remember that. Would you like me to keep playing?

Yes. The word came out as a whispered plea.

She continued playing, filling the room with memories and making a new one. She came to the chorus and sang along with her chords. The clarity and melody of her voice struck me like lightning and I listened in awe, dazzled by the vision in front of me.

The second part of the song came on which was traditionally sung by the man, and one expectant look from her brought it out from me. The words came from deep within me and I could tell my voice was rusty and out of practice, but it didnt take away from the joy of singing. Id forgotten what that was like.

Mei played the last chord, letting the tune linger as the song came to an end. She smiled at me, the kind of smile that felt like we shared a secret and a sense of peace settled over me. I realised that I hadnt been able to enjoy music this way in a very long time. She sounded so earnest and pure, I felt like believing in something again.

You have a great voice, she complimented, looking surprised.

So do you. And I dont say that lightly.

Mei put her guitar back on its stand and smiled. This was lovely.

There was a longing in her tone that made me wonder if she was just as disappointed that our date was coming to an end.

What are your plans for today? I asked, hoping that I read the situation right.

My schedule is clear, she replied, returning back to the couch. Why?

Ive got nothing on either. Maybe we could get some breakfast together?

Surprise crossed her face but she nodded all the same. That sounds nice. Do you know anywhere nice around to eat?

No, but we could walk around and see whats what? I said. The moment I suggested it, I could see she wasnt too keen on that. Not wanting to talk myself out of a breakfast date, I offered a new idea. Or we can get something and bring it back here.

Mei gave me a curious look. Like from a supermarket?

I scratched the back of my head. Yeah, sure. The supermarket sounds good.

That wasnt quite what I intended but I didnt want to explain to her that I hadnt been in one before. That would raise all sorts of questions that were better left unanswered and I didnt want to spoil the beautiful bubble that we were living in right now.